Jeremiah Rosales opens up on disappearance, says Jericho never gave up on him
By Neil Ramos
At A Glance
- Weeks after his disappearance made headlines, Jeremiah Rosales reveals the struggles that led him to walk away from his family and how brother Jericho Rosales remained by his side through one of the darkest chapters of his life.
Jeremiah Rosales is finally telling his side of the story.
Weeks after his disappearance made headlines, the younger brother of award-winning actor Jericho Rosales has spoken publicly about the personal struggles that led him to leave home without informing his family.
Jeremiah, who followed his older brother into show business and appeared in projects such as "Maalaala Mo Kaya," "Kubrador" (2006), and "Baler" (2008), admitted that he relapsed into substance use after battling depression and financial problems.
"One month akong nag-isolate para sa betterment ng family," Jeremiah said in an interview with Julius Babao released on Aug. 4, explaining that he believed distancing himself from his loved ones was the only way to deal with everything he was facing.
His disappearance sparked concern after his wife publicly appealed for help in locating him.
Through it all, Jeremiah said one person never stopped looking out for him: his older brother.
Jericho has long been more than just an older sibling. It was the actor who encouraged Jeremiah to pursue a career in show business, believing he had potential of his own. Years later, he would once again step in, this time during one of the most difficult periods of Jeremiah's life.
According to Jeremiah, it was Jericho who decided he needed to return to rehabilitation after the family became concerned about his condition. Before that could happen, however, Jeremiah left for Bicol, where he stayed with relatives and worked as a construction laborer while trying to keep a low profile.
Even then, Jericho continued to help from afar. Jeremiah said his brother sent money to relatives caring for him so he would have food and other basic necessities.
"Doon ako nag-decide na talagang babaguhin ko na ang sarili ko at babalikan ko ang pamilya ko," he said, recalling the moment he realized he could no longer keep running.
Jeremiah publicly apologized to his wife, children and relatives for the pain he caused.
He also had a heartfelt message for Jericho.
"Pinipilit ko magbago, tol. Mahina lang 'yung foundation ko pero nagpapakatigas ako," he said.
"Ito na siguro 'yung time na desidido na akong magbago."